Demographics

Population in 2012: 7,070 (95% urban, 5% rural).
Population change  since 2000: +2.8%

 
Males: 3,329 47.1%
Females: 3,741 52.9%
Median resident age:  41.5  years
Illinois median age:  42.2  years

Estimated median household income in 2011: $29,001 (it was $27,177  in 2000)

Benton: $29,001
Illinois: $53,234

Estimated  per capita income in 2011: $18,456

Houses and condos: 5,046 Renter-occupied apartments: 1,139

% of renters here: 25%
State: 33%

Mar.  2012 cost of living index in zip code 62812: 76.5 (low, U.S. average is  100)
Land area: 95.5 sq. mi. Water area: 1.5  sq. mi.

Population density: 117 people per square mile 
 
 (very low).

Real estate property taxes  paid for housing units in 2011:

This zip code: 1.5% ($1,002)
Illinois: 2.1%  ($3,813)

Median real estate property taxes  paid for housing units with mortgages in 2011: $1,256 (1.8%)

 

Average household size:

This zip code: 2.4 people
Illinois: 2.6  people